The Golden State Warriors brought their 2024 training camp to Brigham Young University–Hawaii, from October 1 to 4. Sponsored by Gatorade, the training camp was marked by an outpouring of enthusiasm from students, faculty, and the community, who were eager for the chance to witness their favorite NBA team in action on campus.
The team arrived on October 1, greeted warmly by a welcome ceremony at the Cannon Activities Center. As the team entered the arena, members of the Seasider Sports & Activities team led a powerful rendition of the traditional BYU–Hawaii Hiki Mai chant originally written by renowned Kumu Hula Cy Bridges. The Hiki Mai, which symbolizes welcome and unity, is a significant piece of local culture and heritage in Laie and provided an authentic Hawaiian touch to the Warriors’ arrival. Reflecting on the moment, Beka Poh, a junior from Papua New Guinea majoring in English, shared, “For me, personally, I think it is awesome to represent a part of the Hawaiian culture and share it with them. Since Hiki Mai is a welcome chant, it served as a sort of ‘Welcome to our island!’” Following the chant, each team member received a flower lei, a traditional Hawaiian symbol of aloha and hospitality.
Over the next two days, October 2 and 3, the Warriors continued their rigorous practice sessions in the CAC. As they perfected their plays and worked on their skills, each day after practice, the team exited the CAC to interact with fans, sign autographs, and take selfies. The team also participated with the Laie Skillz Academy in a youth basketball camp in the CAC, helping the youth hone their basketball skills in the presence of esteemed NBA players. These moments allowed students to experience firsthand the dedication and camaraderie of the NBA team.
BYU–Hawaii students described it as a dream come true to meet the Warriors in person since it was an opportunity that would not easily be replicated. The BYUH students, who represent a diverse, multicultural community, were grateful for the chance to connect with the team and share the spirit of aloha with them.
On October 4, the Warriors opened their practice session to all BYU–Hawaii students and faculty, providing a rare opportunity for the community to watch a professional NBA team in action. With limited seating available, students started lining up early to secure their spots, creating a buzz of excitement around campus. The CAC quickly filled to capacity as students and faculty packed the seats and eagerly awaited the start of the open practice.
The Warriors did not disappoint and proceeded to give the crowd an impressive display of athleticism, teamwork, and skill. Marl Adrian Coranez, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in hospitality and tourism management, reflected on the experience, saying, “It was a great opportunity for me as a BYU–Hawaii student to witness the team put their efforts and dedication into their play as an athlete. Not just to give entertainment to people but to prove and show to everyone that human beings can develop extraordinary skills by working on self-development and discipline.”
After the session, the team spent one last time with fans outside the CAC, signing autographs and posing for photos, giving everyone a chance to interact with them before their departure and eventual NBA preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa last October 5.
University President John S.K. Kauwe III expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the event, sharing, "We were honored to host the Golden State Warriors for their 2024 training camp at BYU–Hawaii. It brought so much excitement to our campus and community, inspiring our students and faculty. It was a unique opportunity for all of us to witness their excellence and dedication firsthand."
The Golden State Warriors’ visit to BYU–Hawaii symbolized much more than a training and youth sports camp; it was an opportunity for the students and community to engage with their heroes and for the Warriors to experience the warmth and diversity of the Laie community. As the week concluded, the excitement lingered on campus, leaving students and faculty inspired by the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
